Virtual Interface Refueling for Autonomous Vehicle Energy Docking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles face challenges in refueling due to the lack of infrastructure designed to support their energy supply needs, as they cannot perform the same refueling process as human-controlled vehicles and may experience reduced travel range and functionality without appropriate refueling systems.
Innovation Solution
An energy supply station computer system that uses sensors to detect autonomous vehicles, transmit image or video data to a remote computer, and generate a virtual interface to control a mechanical arm for refueling, allowing for the supply of energy to the vehicle without human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If autonomous vehicles use traditional manual refueling processes, then human control is required, but this reduces automation capability and operational efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous vehicle performs refueling operations independently without human intervention. The vehicle's control system automatically detects the energy supply station, navigates to it, and executes the refueling process through automated coupling of the energy input receptacle with the energy delivery receptacle, allowing the system to service itself
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with automated electronic control systems. Sensors detect the presence and positioning of the energy supply station, electronic control units process the refueling sequence, and automated mechanisms manage the coupling and energy transfer, substituting human mechanical actions with electronic-mechanical integrated systems
2Adaptability or versatility
If energy supply stations are designed for manual refueling, then infrastructure complexity is reduced, but autonomous vehicles cannot refuel effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The energy supply station is designed to accommodate both manual and automated refueling processes. The station includes standardized energy delivery receptacles that can interface with both human-operated vehicles and autonomous vehicles, allowing the same infrastructure to serve multiple functions and different vehicle types
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensors and control systems as intermediary components between the energy supply station and the autonomous vehicle. These intermediaries facilitate automated detection, positioning, and coupling operations, enabling autonomous vehicles to interact with traditionally manual refueling infrastructure without requiring complete infrastructure redesign
3Productivity
If autonomous vehicles lack automated refueling capability, then infrastructure requirements are simplified, but vehicle range and functionality are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous vehicle's control system proactively monitors energy levels and automatically initiates refueling operations before energy depletion occurs. The vehicle detects the energy supply station in advance, plans the refueling maneuver, and executes the coupling process autonomously, ensuring continuous operation without human intervention
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous vehicle can include first one or more sensors located on a first side of the autonomous vehicle; second one or more sensors located on a second side of the autonomous vehicle; and one or more processors. The can processors be configured to automatically control, using images generated by the first one or more sensors, the autonomous vehicle to an energy supply station responsive to determining to resupply energy to the autonomous vehicle; detect, using the images generated by the first one or more sensors, an arrival of the autonomous vehicle at the energy supply station; and responsive to detecting the arrival of the autonomous vehicle at the energy supply station, switch from processing images generated by the first one or more sensors to processing images generated by the second one or more sensors.